Put on your sneakers after a sleepless night, brave the winter cold or the cnaicule and get out of your comfort zone to join a fitness class with your baby; it's no piece of cake!
All these efforts to move with baby will however be rewarded… believe the story of Shelsy Sarrazin (our photo). This mom, now fitter and more fulfilled than ever, is a source of inspiration for those who are still reluctant to take the leap without too much impact to a more active lifestyle during their maternity leave.
Fight the blues
As soon as her little Florence was born, Shelsy was already anticipating her boyfriend's return to work. If motherhood blues came to visit, would she be able to face them on her own? She couldn't answer that question. From the fateful period when Florence's dad returned to work, Shelsy joined a community of active mothers! By sharing her daily life with these women, Shelsy has quietly played down the stereotype of the perfect mother to finally allow herself more moments of pleasure, without guilt.
So she multiplied the number of weekly fitness classes that shewas doing with baby. It allowed her to push her personal boundaries and feel like a whole woman, not “just” a mother.
Get back in shape
Over the years, Shelsy had accumulated overweight that made the simple squat as pleasant as a dental appointment… Initially, her motivation to show up for each class was based on the pleasure of exchange with the community of mothers.
Quickly, this motivation came from the progress she accumulated and the feeling of accomplishment she felt after each class. Beyond her physical transformation, beyond losing thirty pounds, Shelsy has gained a he althy life balance that she wants to preserve and pass on to her offspring.
How maternity leave is also a great opportunity to adopt he althy habits for yourself and the whole family!
Some may think that fitness classes with baby, coupled with the sometimes difficult sleepless nights, are a harmful cocktail. Think again: moving gives energy! Go at your own pace, respect yourself and take advantage of these beautiful months of maternity leave to do activities that will fulfill the woman and the mother in you.
Congratulations to Shelsy and all those other moms we meet every day: they persevere to get back in shape and do so with a smile!
